Yellow Gloves: Specific

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Angola Country Specific Information

COUNTY DESCRIPTION: Angola is a large, developing country in south-west central Africa. The capital city is Luanda. Portuguese, the official language, is widely spoken throughout the country. Despite its extensive oil and mineral reserves and arable land suitable for large-scale production of numerous crops, Angola has some of the world's lowest social development indicators. Development was severely restricted by a 27-year long civil war that broke out upon independence in 1975, which destroyed the majority of the country's infrastructure. Since the conflict's conclusion in 2002, the economy grew at double digit annual growth until the global financial crisis undercut oil revenue. Nevertheless, the government continues extensive infrastructure reconstruction and development projects. However, Angola still faces challenges with its infrastructure and with providing government services, especially in basic social services, aviation and travel safety, accommodation availability and quality, and communications. Facilities for tourism, particularly outside the capital of Luanda, are often rudimentary. For additional information, read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Angola.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Angola, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip. If you let us know about your trip, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. The link to the Department of State’s travel registration page can be found here.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Luanda
Rua Houari Boumedienne #32
Miramar, Luanda
P.O. Box 6468
Telephone: (244) 222-641-000, (244) 222-447-028, (244) 222-445-481, (244) 222-446-224;
Emergency after-hours telephone: (244) 222-641-000; (244) 923-640-154
Facsimile: (244) 222-641-259.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required and must be obtained in advance. An International Certificate of Vaccination is required. Visitors should allow several weeks for the processing of their visa application. Angola does not issue airport visas. Persons arriving without visas are subject to arrest or exclusion. Travelers may also encounter delays or exclusions if they do not have at least one completely blank visa page in their passports for entry stamps, and Angolan embassies and consulates will not issue visas unless the passport has at least six month’s validity remaining. Angola does not require travelers to have an exit visa. Travelers whose international immunization cards do not show inoculations against yellow fever within the past ten years may be subject to exclusion, on-the-spot vaccination, and/or heavy fines. Visitors remaining in Angola beyond their authorized visa duration are subject to fines and arrest. It is illegal to carry local currency out of Angola and anyone attempting to carry local currency out of Angola is subject to having this currency confiscated by customs officers. Current information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Angola at 2100-2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, tel. (202) 785-1156, fax (202) 785-1258. Visit the Embassy of Angola’s website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Angola.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: While the overall security situation in Angola has improved markedly since the end of the civil war; you should still exercise caution when traveling in the country. Remnants of war such as land mines and unexploded ordinance still make road and overland travel hazardous. If you are traveling or living in Angola, you should stick to clearly marked and travelled roads, and avoid walking off of the road during rest breaks, particularly around bridges and river crossings. Never touch anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordinance.

Despite Angola’s great progress in rebuilding, infrastructure such as highways and bridges, remains poor. Police and military checkpoints are common along Angola’s highways. Officials are sometimes undisciplined; however, their authority should not be challenged. These checkpoints are often used by police to stop and request identification from passing traffic, so be sure to have a valid passport and visa available at all times while traveling between provinces. Travel in most parts of the city of Luanda is safe by day. However car doors should be locked, windows rolled up, and laptop, cell phones, and other valuable items should be stored out of sight. You should make every effort to avoid travel within the capital after dark. Don’t undertake travel on roads outside of major cities after nightfall.

If you are living in, or planning to visit, the northern province of Cabinda, you should exercise caution while outside of Cabinda city. On the occasion of the African Nations Cup (CAN) in January 2010, armed separatists in Cabinda claimed responsibility for an attack on the visiting Togolese national football team that left three dead and several others wounded. Several attacks against expatriates in Cabinda resulting in rape, robbery, and murder were registered from 2007 to 2009. Those responsible declared their intention to continue attacks against expatriates. Occasional attacks against police and Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) convoys and outposts in Cabinda also continue to be reported. These incidents, while small in overall numbers, have occurred with little or no warning. Exercise extreme caution when traveling outside of Cabinda city and limit travel to essential needs only.

Travel to Lunda North and South provinces only if it is essential. The government of Angola is sensitive to the travel of foreigners in the diamond producing areas of the provinces, and you will require proper permission and documentation to frequent these areas. Failure to adhere to these requirements may subject you to restriction or detention.

Do not take photographs of military or security sites or installations, including government buildings, as this may result in the payment of fines or arrest.

You can stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a serious problem throughout Angola. While most violent crime occurs between Angolans, foreigners are frequently targeted as well. Street crime and crimes of opportunity are a constant threat in Luanda, and threaten both locals and foreign visitors alike. Pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, vehicle theft / break-ins, and, increasingly, assaults against pedestrians by armed assailants on motorcycles and scooters, are widespread. Avoid Roque Santeiro and Rocha Pinto, and travel the “Serpentine Road” in front of the U.S. Embassy only by vehicle. In general, movement around Luanda is safer by day than by night. Avoid touring after dark.

Air travelers arriving in Luanda should arrange reliable and secure ground transportation in advance; there is limited regular taxi service. Avoid the use of the public transportation known as “candongueiros” or “taxistas”; these multi-passenger vans are largely unregulated and often dangerous.

If you are driving in Luanda, you should stop at all police checkpoints if so directed. Police officers may solicit bribes or request immediate payment of "fines" for alleged minor infractions. If you commit a moving violation and are asked for bribes by the police, you should politely request the traffic police to write a ticket. If the police officer writes a ticket, you are responsible to pay the fine at the place indicated on the ticket. If no moving violation is alleged and the officer is asking for a bribe, you could, without actually challenging the officer's authority, politely ask the officer for his/her name and badge number. Officers thus engaged will frequently let motorists go with no bribe paid. Regardless, motorists should have all proper documents in the vehicle at all times (i.e., vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver's license). The lack of documentation is a violation against local law that requires every driver in Angola have proper permission to drive, and can also be a reason an officer would solicit a bribe. You can obtain further information on driving in Angola from the Embassy of Angola. Please note that police are not always responsive to reports of crime or requests for assistance. Most police are on foot and are assigned to designated stationary posts. However, the Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) unit is frequently seen patrolling various areas of the city. This unit is well trained and organized and will respond to major criminal incidents.

If you are an independent entrepreneur in Angola, you should carry certified copies of relevant immigration and business documents at all times. There have been police operations against illegal aliens and private companies that result in deportation of illegal resident foreign nationals and loss of personal and company property.

While in the airport, you should be alert to fraud occasionally perpetrated by Luanda airport personnel. Immigration and customs officials sometimes detain foreigners without cause, demanding gratuities before allowing them to enter or depart Angola. Airport health officials sometimes demand that passengers arriving without proof of current yellow fever vaccination accept and pay for a vaccination at the airport. Carry your yellow fever vaccination card and ensure that your yellow fever vaccine is up-to-date. If you forget to carry your yellow fever vaccination card, and do not wish to receive the vaccine offered at the airport, you should be prepared to depart the country on the next available flight. It is important that you maintain control of your carry-on baggage at all times. If you believe something has been inserted into your baggage, you should report the incident immediately to airport authorities. Searches of travelers' checked baggage are common, and criminals sometimes attempt to insert items into other travelers’ baggage at the airport, particularly for flights from Luanda to South Africa.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies or consulates). If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault or rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Angola for police is 113; for fire fighters: 115, and for ambulance services: 112. Please be advised that the emergency numbers listed may or may not have an English speaking operator available.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Anyone violating Angola’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Angola are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Angolan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Angola of sensitive items including firearms, antiquities, and currency. If you are planning on traveling with or shipping any of these items, you should contact the Embassy of Angola in Washington, DC or one of Angola's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: Angola is generally a cash-only economy; neither traveler’s checks nor credit cards are used outside the capital of Luanda. In Luanda, credit cards are accepted in extremely limited circumstances, namely large hotels. Despite a major campaign to expand credit card acceptance, this effort has yet to expand beyond the capital city. In general, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are accessible only to those individuals who hold accounts with local banks. Dollars are generally accepted for most commercial transactions in Luanda and in all provincial capitals. It is best to carry a sufficient supply of U.S. dollars with you during your travels. Please note that only the newer series U.S. dollar bills (with large faces) are accepted. U.S. dollars can be converted to local currency at exchange businesses authorized by the Angolan government. Angolan currency (the Kwanza) may not be taken out of the country, and anyone attempting to carry currency out of Angola could have the currency confiscated.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION: While living or traveling in Angola, you should carry a certified copy of your U.S. passports with you at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, you can provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luanda can prepare copies of U.S. passports at no charge when you register with the Embassy. To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documentation, you should keep your passport in a secure place and carry only a certified copy.

LABOR DISPUTES: American performers traveling to Angola to participate in concerts and/or other events should be aware that there have been several serious allegations made against talent agencies making arrangements for foreign performers. These allegations include, among other things, several charges of breach of contract and the forcible retention of passports and persons. Before signing a contract and traveling to Angola, you should investigate the talent agency carefully. It may be useful for you to contact performers who have previously worked in Angola and are familiar with agencies there. If you experience any incidents of this nature, file a report with the local Angolan police and the U.S. Embassy.

LONG DELAYS IN RENEWAL OF VISAS: If you opt to renew your work or other visa while in Angola, you should expect delays of 2-10 weeks or more, during which time the Angolan immigration authorities will hold onto your passport and you will not be able to travel. You should plan your travel and visa renewals carefully to avoid complications. If you have to travel, you can apply for a second U.S. passport PRIOR to turning over your primary passport to Angolan authorities for visa renewal. To apply for a second U.S. passport, you must write a letter explaining the need for the second passport, as well as meet all the requirements for a normal application for passport renewal, including being able to show a current valid passport. It can take up to 7-10 business days to receive a second passport. If you stay beyond your visa expiration date, you will be subject to steep fines.

HOTEL AVAILABILITY: Hotels are limited in Angola, and demand for the limited number of rooms is high. Hotels are often booked months in advance, especially in the capital. Only a few large hotels in Luanda accept credit cards; hotels in the provinces generally do not accept credit cards. Adequate hotels are found in most provincial capitals, but some provide only limited amenities.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and services are available in Angola, but are limited and are often not up to western standards. Adequate care for medical emergencies is limited to Luanda, where there are some good private clinics that usually have 24-hour service provided by a general practice physician and specialists on call. A list of such facilities can be found at http://angola.usembassy.gov/ medical_information.html. Routine operations such as appendectomies can be performed. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines/drugs. Carry with you an adequate supply of properly-labeled medications that you routinely require. Please remember that malaria is endemic in most areas of Angola.

Angola and surrounding African countries have experienced outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Most recent incidences are the 2005 Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Uige province, and the 2008 Ebola virus outbreak in the border region of neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that prompted the Government of Angola to close its border between Lunda Norte and the DRC.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

1) Does my policy apply when I’m outside of the United States?
2) Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. In general, your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our information on medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Angola is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Since the end of the civil war in 2002, overland access to the interior has improved considerably. Nonetheless, highways in some areas remain poor and infrastructure for travelers is poor or nonexistent.

Road travel can be dangerous, especially during the rainy season (October - March), which can cause large potholes and erosion. Landmines remain a problem on some secondary roads in more remote areas. Road conditions vary widely outside the capital from acceptable paved surfaces to virtually impassable dirt roads, particularly secondary routes. Many secondary roads, including secondary roads in urban areas, are impassable during the rainy season. Overloaded, poorly marked, and disabled vehicles, as well as pedestrians and livestock, pose hazards for motorists. Ground travel in rural areas should be undertaken during daylight hours only. Areas with suspected landmines are generally clearly marked and travelers should heed these warnings. Primary roads are considered to be landmine free in most provinces, but travelers should not venture far from the margins of the road. Extensive government, commercial, and NGO demining projects continue throughout the country.

Traffic in Luanda is heavy and often chaotic, and roads are often in poor condition. Few intersections have traffic lights or police to direct vehicles. Drivers often fail to obey traffic signals and signs, and there are frequent vehicle breakdowns. Itinerant vendors, scooters and pedestrians often weave in and out of traffic, posing a danger to themselves and to drivers. Angola has little public transportation. Most inter-city transportation in Angola is done by small blue and white vans called “Candongueiros” or large buses. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training and the majority of the Candongueiro drivers are not in possession of a driver license and the vehicles are poorly maintained. The Candongueiros often drive at high speeds, and they are the principal vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents along Angolan roads.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Angola’s national tourist office, and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is currently no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Angola, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has not assessed Angola’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

The U.S. Embassy in Luanda prohibits U.S. Government employees from using TAAG, the Angolan national airline, and all other Angolan-owned and -operated commercial air transportation services for official domestic or international travel due to concerns regarding safety and maintenance. International flights on foreign-owned and -operated carriers are not affected by this restriction.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the country specific information for Angola dated August 25, 2009, to update sections on: Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Criminal Penalties, Special Circumstances, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Medical Insurance.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Bhutan Country Specific Information

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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Bhutan is a small, land-locked Himalayan country that completed its transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in June 2008. Bhutan is one of the world’s smallest and least developed economies. The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan and there is no U.S. diplomatic presence there. Consular issues relating to Bhutan, including assistance to U.S. citizens, are handled by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Bhutan for additional information.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Bhutan, please take the time to tell our Embassy in New Delhi about your trip. If you sign up for our service, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bhutan. Although no formal diplomatic relations exist between the United States and Bhutan, informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. Updated information on travel and security in Bhutan may be obtained at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, at any other U.S. Consulate in India, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, and the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. U.S. citizens living or traveling in Bhutan are encouraged to enroll through the Department of State’s travel registration page, noted above, or with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bhutan. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or missions mentioned below in person or via mail. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located on Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi 110 021, India, telephone +91-11-2419-8000, fax +91-11-2419-8407.

Since Drukair, the Bhutanese national carrier and sole regularly scheduled airline to fly to Bhutan, has direct flights to and from New Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, and Bangkok, U.S. citizens may also enroll in consular sections in these locations:

The U.S. Consulate in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700 071, India, telephone +91-33-3984-2400, fax +91-33-2282-2335.

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is located at Maharajgunj in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Consular Section can be reached through the Embassy switchboard at (977) (1) 400-7200 or directly by fax at (977) (1) 400-7281 or contacted by email.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is located at 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok, Thailand, telephone +66-2-205-4000, fax +66-2-205-4103.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan. Visitors are required to book travel through a registered tour operator in Bhutan. This may be done directly or through a travel agent abroad. More information, including a list of authorized tour operators in Bhutan, may be obtained from the Tourism Council of Bhutan, PO Box 126, Thimphu, Bhutan, telephone +975-2-323251, 2-323252, fax +975-2-323695. Entry by air is available only via India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Thailand. The border with China is closed. The minimum daily tariff is set by the Bhutanese Department of Tourism and cannot be negotiated. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters, and cultural programs where and when available. The rate is the same for both cultural tours and treks. Travelers should contact the Tourism Council for the latest daily tariff. At this time, the only carrier servicing Bhutan is Drukair, the Bhutanese government airline. Drukair will board only travelers with visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan.

A passport and visa are required for entry into and exit from Bhutan. Visa applications are available from selected travel agencies. (See the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators web site for further information.) Travel agencies will usually arrange for a traveler’s entry visa and clearance. Visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, should obtain visas prior to entering the country. Once you have an approved visa application, the visa will be issued upon arrival in the country. A copy of your approved visa application must be presented upon check-in before boarding your flight to Bhutan.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Bhutan. There are no disclosure regulations or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter Bhutan on a tourist visa for a maximum two-week visit. For longer stays, however, applicants must present the results of an HIV/AIDS test completed within the six months prior to their visit. The test can also be administered by Bhutanese officials upon arrival. Travelers should verify this information with the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations before you travel.

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations (Consul General), 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 682-2268, fax (212) 661-0551. Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Bhutan embassy or consulate.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: A series of small bombs were set off in Bhutan between October 2006 and December 2008. Except for one bombing that took place in the capital, Thimphu, most of the other incidents occurred in areas near the southwestern border, far from tourist destinations. The government blames various opposition groups for these bombings. U.S. interests have not been directly threatened in these attacks. However, the potential for civil unrest does exist. Groups opposed to the constitutional monarchy and those demanding the repatriation of Bhutanese refugees of Nepali ethnic origin currently living in camps in Nepal may resort to protests or small-scale violence.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: There is relatively little crime in Bhutan. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, is occasionally reported.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should also be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. This process generally takes two to three business days. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you receive money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. A consular officer will visit Bhutan on a quarterly basis to renew passports, provide notary services, and take applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. Embassy New Delhi will inform registered U.S. citizens in advance regarding dates for these visits.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line for Bhutan police in Bhutan is 113. The emergency number for ambulance service is 112.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Visitors are advised to carry cash or travelers checks, since credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. When credit cards are accepted, usually during bank hours, an extra service fee, typically a percentage of the overall purchase, is often charged. Indian rupees up to the 100 rupee denomination are accepted for purchases in Bhutan. Very few establishments will accept 500 and 1000 rupee notes. International ATMs do not work in Bhutan.

Drukair, the only carrier servicing Bhutan, has rigid restrictions on the amount and size of luggage passengers may carry into the country. Passengers are advised to book bulky items ahead as unaccompanied baggage, since the aircraft servicing Bhutan have limited space available for large bags, and airline employees may not load large pieces of luggage. Flights into and out of Paro Airport are restricted to daylight hours and are dependent on suitable weather conditions. Flights are often delayed or cancelled, particularly during the monsoon season between May and September. Passengers are advised to allow at least 24 hours' transit time for connecting flights from Paro Airport and to travel on non-restricted air tickets so that they can be rebooked on the first available air carrier if a connecting flight is missed. Passengers transiting through India will need a transit visa if they intend to leave the airport or spend a night in India.

Bhutanese customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Bhutan of items such as firearms, ammunition, explosives and military stores; narcotics and drugs (except medically prescribed drugs); tobacco products; wildlife products, especially those of endangered species; and antiques. It is advisable to contact the Bhutan Mission to the United Nations (Consulate General), 763 First Avenue, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 682-2268, fax (212) 661-0551, for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in the populated areas in Bhutan such as Thimphu and Paro are available but may be limited or unavailable in rural areas. U.S. citizens in need of urgent medical care should try to get to the new Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city, Thimphu. Medical services may not meet Western standards, and some medicines are in short supply. Certain emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all tourists. Visitors planning to trek in Bhutan should pay special attention to the risk of altitude illness. Treks in Bhutan can take visitors days or weeks away from the nearest medical facility. Helicopter evacuation from remote areas at a U.S. citizen’s expense is available in Bhutan through the registered tour operators. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi can also help arrange evacuations through private companies at a U.S. citizen’s expense. We strongly urge that you ensure your medical insurance will cover such evacuations before you depart on your trip.

Good Information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website or by calling the hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747). For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

--Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?

--Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bhutan is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

General road conditions outside urban areas are poor, and emergency services generally are not available. Because of the mountainous terrain, roads tend to have steep drop-offs and blind curves. During heavy rains there is a risk of falling rocks and landslides that can block roads. However, because Bhutan requires tourists to arrange their trips through registered tour operators and travel in groups with experienced drivers, most tourists will not drive themselves

Please refer to our Road Safety page, Tourism Council for Bhutan, and Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bhutan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Bhutan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bhutan dated December 23, 2009, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Special Circumstances, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.

Benin Country Specific Information

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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Benin is a developing country in west Africa. Its political capital is Porto Novo; however, its administrative capital, Cotonou, is Benin's largest city and the site of most government, commercial, and tourist activity. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Benin for additional information.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Benin, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

Embassy Cotonou
Address: The Embassy is located at Rue Caporal Bernard Anani in Cotonou. The Embassy's mailing address is B.P. 2012, Cotonou, Benin.
Telephone: The 24-hour telephone numbers are (229) 21-30-06-50, 21-30-05-13, and 21-30-17-92.
Facsimile: (229) 21-30-66-82.

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Visas are not routinely available at the airport. Visitors to Benin should also carry the WHO Yellow Card (“Carte Jaune”) indicating that they have been vaccinated for yellow fever. Contact the Embassy of Benin for the most current visa information. The Embassy is located at: 2124 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel.: 202-232-6656. Visit the Embassy of Benin’s website before you travel: http://www.beninembassy.us/

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Benin.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

U.S. citizens should not walk on the beach alone at any time of day. Don’t carry your passport or valuables when walking in any part of the city. Carry a notarized photocopy of the photo page of your passport (see Crime section). Don’t walk around the city after dark, and take particular care to avoid the beach and isolated areas near the beach after dark.

The ocean currents along the coast are extremely strong and treacherous. Several people drown each year because of the rough surf and strong undertow.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security — things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Street crime is a significant problem in Cotonou. Robbery and muggings occur along the Boulevard de France (the beach road by the Marina and Novotel Hotels) and on the beaches near hotels frequented by international visitors. Most of the reported incidents involve the use of force, often by armed persons, with occasional minor injury to the victim. Travelers should avoid isolated and poorly lit areas and should not walk around the city or the beaches between dusk and dawn. U.S. diplomatic personnel are prohibited from visiting the Dantokpa market between the hours of dusk and dawn. Even during daylight hours, foreigners on the beach near Cotonou are frequently victims of robberies. When visiting the beach, travelers should not bring valuables and should carry only a photocopy of their passport. If you are a victim of crime, you should contact the U.S. Embassy immediately. There has been a continued increase in the number of robberies incidents after dark, both within metropolitan Cotonou and on highways and rural roads outside of major metropolitan areas. Motorists are urged to be wary of the risk of carjacking, although there have been no new reports of carjacking inside of Cotonou, this risk is still significant in rural areas. Keep the windows of your vehicle rolled up and the doors locked, and stay alert for signs of suspicious behavior by other motorists or pedestrians that may lead to carjacking, such as attempts to stop a moving vehicle for no obvious reason. Travelers should avoid driving outside the city of Cotonou after dark and should exercise extreme caution when driving in Cotonou after dark (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions below). Overland travel to Nigeria is dangerous near the Benin/Nigeria border due to unofficial checkpoints and highway banditry.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution when using credit cards and automated teller machines (ATMs) in Benin due to a high rate of fraud. Perpetrators of business and other kinds of fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Benin, and are more frequently perpetrated by Beninese criminals. Business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:

Any offer of a substantial percentage of a very large sum of money to be transferred into your account, in return for your discretion" or "confidentiality;” Any deal that seems too good to be true;Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices, or for bank account or credit card information;Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;Solicitations claiming the soliciting party has personal ties to high government officials;Requests for payment, in advance, of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by "a reliable contact";Promises of advance payment for services to the Beninese government;Any offer of a charitable donation.

These scams, which may appear to be legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts, pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, more U.S. citizens have been targeted. The perpetrators of such scams sometimes pose as attorneys. One common ploy is to request fees for “registration” with fictitious government offices or regulatory authorities. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense — if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Travelers should carefully check out any unsolicited business proposal originating in Benin before committing funds, providing goods or services, or undertaking travel. For additional information, please see the Department of State’s webpage on International Financial Scams. Scams may also involve persons posing as singles on Internet dating sites or as online acquaintances who then get into trouble and require money to be "rescued." If you are asked to send money by someone you meet online please contact the U.S. Embassy before doing so.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States,you may be breaking local law too.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it.. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Benin

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Keep a notarized photocopy of the photo page of your passport with you at all times when traveling in Benin.

The Embassy has had a few reports of officials requesting a "gift" to facilitate official administrative matters (e.g., customs entry). Such requests should be politely but firmly declined.

It is prohibited to photograph government buildings and other official sites, such as military installations, without the formal consent of the Government of Benin. In general, it is always best to be courteous and ask permission before taking pictures of people. Beninese citizens may react angrily if photographed without their prior approval.

Obtaining customs clearance at the port of Cotonou for donated items shipped to Benin from the United States may be a lengthy process. In addition, to obtain a waiver of customs duties on donated items, the donating organization must secure prior written approval from the Government of Benin. Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou for more detailed information.

Please see our Customs Information.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Benin are limited and not all medicines are available. Travelers should carry any needed supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Not all medicines and prescription drugs available in Benin are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers to Benin. For information on malaria, its prevention, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC’s malaria webpages.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions: Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Benin is provided for general reference only, and may not apply to all locations or circumstances.

Roads in Benin are generally in poor condition and are often impassable during the rainy season, which is from mid-June to Mid-September. Notable exceptions include the road linking Cotonou in the south to Malanville on the border with Niger in the north, and from Parakou in central Benin to Natitingou in the northwestern part of the country. Benin's unpaved roads vary widely in quality, and deep sand and potholes are common. Most of the main streets in Cotonou are paved, –while side streets are often made of dirt and have deep potholes. Four-wheel drive vehicles with full spare tires and emergency equipment are recommended.

Traffic moves on the right, as in the United States. Cotonou has no public transportation system; many Beninese people rely on bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes, and zemidjans (moped taxis). U.S. Embassy personnel are required to wear safety helmets when on a motorcycle and are strongly discouraged from using zemidjans. Travelers using zemidjans, particularly at night, are much more vulnerable to being mugged, assaulted or robbed. Buses and bush taxis offer service in the interior.

Gasoline smuggled from Nigeria is widely available in glass bottles and jugs at informal roadside stands throughout Cotonou and much of the country. This gasoline is of unreliable quality, often containing water or other contaminants that can damage or disable your vehicle. Drivers should purchase fuel only from official service stations. There are periodic gas shortages, which can be particularly acute in the north of the country where there are few service stations.

U.S. citizens traveling by road should exercise extreme caution. Poorly maintained and overloaded transport and cargo vehicles frequently break down and cause accidents. Drivers often place branches or leaves in the road to indicate a broken down vehicle is in the roadway. Undisciplined drivers move unpredictably through traffic. Construction work is often poorly indicated. Speed bumps, commonly used on paved roads in and near villages, are seldom indicated. Drivers must be on guard against people and livestock wandering into or across the roads. Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous as vehicles frequently lack headlights and/or taillights, and brake lights are often burned out.

With few exceptions, Cotonou and other cities lack street lighting, and lighting on roads between population centers is non-existent. The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou prohibits non-essential travel outside of metropolitan areas after dusk by diplomatic personnel and strongly urges all U.S. citizens to avoid night driving as well. There have been numerous carjackings and robberies on roads in Benin after dark, several of which resulted in murder when the driver refused to comply with the assailants' demands. The National Police periodically conduct vehicle checks at provisional roadblocks in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the increasing number of carjackings. When stopped at such a roadblock, you must have all of the vehicle's documentation available to present to the authorities.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Benin, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Benin’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Benin dated December 7, 2009, to update all sections.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Burundi country specific information

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, is a landlocked, developing country in the Sahel region of West Africa. Its capital is Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso is a former French colony; the official language is French. It is one of the world’s poorest countries, and tourism infrastructure is limited. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Burkina Faso for additional information.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Burkina Faso, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou
Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Telephone: +226 50 49 53 00
Facsimile: +226 50 49 56 23

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport, visa, and evidence of yellow-fever vaccination are required for entry into the country.

The government of Burkina Faso appeared poised to implement a new visa policy on July 1, 2010. Visas range in duration and cost from a single-entry three-month visa at 94,000 CFA francs ($181.00) to a multiple-year, multiple-entry visa for 262,000 CFA francs ($506.00). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Embassy that these new, higher fees will not apply to U.S. passport holders, but it remains unclear how this new policy will be implemented at borders and at the airport.

Prior to the new policy’s implementation, visas valid for seven days were available at land borders and for 30 days at the airport; however, both could be converted into visas of up to five years validity at the Direction du Controle des Migrations, a government office in central Ouagadougou.

U.S. travelers should obtain longer-validity visas from the Embassy of Burkina Faso, 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20008, telephone (202) 332-5577. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Burkinabe embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Burkina Faso website for the most current visa information, or contact their offices directly.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burkina Faso.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens traveling to, and residing in, Burkina Faso are urged to exercise caution and maintain a high level of security awareness at all times. Kidnapping remains a threat in the northern border areas of the country. As of this update, due to security concerns in the these areas, the U.S. Embassy has declared the area north of the road stretching from Djibo to Dori off-limits to official government travelers unless prior authorization for such travel is expressly given. There have been no known terrorist incidents (bombings, hijackings, or kidnappings) directed against foreigners in Burkina Faso; however, the Al Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist organization could target westerners in the porous border regions of the north, near Mali and Niger. The Sahelian regions of Burkina Faso are extremely remote, and the Embassy’s ability to render assistance in the event of an emergency there could be very limited.

Ouagadougou occasionally experiences demonstrations and civil unrest. Although most demonstrations are generally peaceful, there have been incidents of violence and destruction within recent years. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations, even if they appear to be peaceful.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security — things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Street crime in Burkina Faso poses high risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve purse-snatchers and street scam artists, who target wallets, jewelry, cell phones and other valuables. Thieves are especially active during international meetings or events, which draw large crowds to the capital. The areas near and around the U.N. Circle, Avenue Kwame N’Krumah, and the Central Market in Ouagadougou experience the highest incidence of purse snatchings and muggings. Travelers should stay alert, remain in groups, and avoid poorly lit areas. Be especially cautious at night, when most reported incidents have taken place.

There continue to be armed robberies and attacks on intercity roads throughout the country. Although these armed individuals and groups operate mostly at night, there have been daytime attacks. They have injured or killed individuals who refused their demands or attempted to drive through their roadblocks. Several attacks have been directed at intercity public buses. U.S. citizen travelers should avoid all intercity travel at night. Check with the Embassy for the latest security information before setting out on your journey.

Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. Recent scams that have victimized U.S. citizens have taken many forms, including fraudulent transactions for gold and antiquities. Such fraud schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Burkina Faso. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. A typical sign of a business scam is the demand for advance payments on contracts. Persons contemplating business deals in Burkina Faso should contact the commercial section of the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou if they have any doubts about the legitimacy of a potential business client or partner.

Normally, fraud schemes begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or gold dust out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. Common variations of this scheme involve individuals claiming to be refugees, victims of various African conflicts, or former political leaders in need of help in transferring large sums of money. Sometimes perpetrators manage to induce victims to provide bank account and credit card information, and financial authorizations that allow them to incur large debts against the victim’s credit. In some instances, victims have lost their life savings.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense — if a proposition looks too good to be true, it probably is. Research thoroughly any unsolicited business proposal originating from Burkina Faso or any other source before committing funds, providing goods or services, or undertaking travel.

For additional information on scams, see the Department of State’s website on international financial scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

There is no local equivalent to the all-purpose “911” emergency line in Burkina Faso; there are separate numbers for different types of services and also for different cities. Within Ouagadougou, emergency numbers are as follows: fire department, 50-30-69-47, 50-30-69-48, or simply dial 18; ambulance service, 50-30-66-44 or 50-30-66-45; police, 50-30-63-83, 50-30-71-00, or simply dial 17; Gendarmerie, 50-31-33-39 or 50-31-33-40. You can also dial 10-10 which will connect to the Ministry of Security who will then dispatch the appropriate law enforcement entity.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating Burkina Faso’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Burkina Faso can be severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Burkina Faso’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning export from Burkina Faso of items such as masks, religious materials, and antiquities. The Director of the National Museum has stated that all exportation of objects of art (old or traditional artists’ works, and all old material of the national cultural patrimony) is subject to the prior approval of the Ministry of Culture. Contact the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington (see contact information in the Entry Requirements section) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Foreigners should always carry photocopies of the biographic page of their passport and their visa with them at all times. If a passport is lost and a valid visa cannot be presented by the traveler upon departure, a police report documenting the loss of the visa may be required.

Credit cards are accepted at only a few high-end establishments in Ouagadougou. Travelers' checks may be cashed at local banks, but euro-denominated traveler’s checks are much more widely accepted than dollar-denominated ones. There are a few ATMs in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, but they do not always accept cards from foreign banks. ATMs generally accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards with a personal identification number.

Burkina Faso’s laws concerning photography have recently changed. Photo permits from the Tourist Office are no longer required for tourists. Film crews still do require permits. Note that the Tourist Office publishes a list of buildings, installations, and areas that may not be photographed at all.

Local telephone service is adequate but expensive. Cell phone networks are available in most urban areas, although service can be unreliable. Telephone coverage in rural areas is limited, though increasing. International calls cannot always be made from hotels; it may be necessary to make international calls from a Post and Telecommunications Office, where only local currency is accepted. Collect calls are not possible. Cyber-cafes for Internet access are common in both Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and emergency hospital care are very limited, particularly in areas outside of Ouagadougou. Emergency response services, such as ambulances, are in very short supply, poorly equipped, and in many regions simply nonexistent.

Some medicines are available through local pharmacies, though supplies can be limited. Travelers requiring specific medicines should bring an adequate supply for the duration of their stay in Burkina Faso.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Burkina Faso. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, including protective measures, please visit the CDC’s website.

Meningitis is endemic in Burkina Faso, and cases are most frequent during the drier, dustier months of January through June. Travelers should confirm that their meningitis A, C, Y, W, 135 inoculations are up to date.

Tuberculosis is a serious health concern in Burkina Faso. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

1) Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?
2) Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information which follows is for general reference only, and may not be applicable in a particular location or circumstance within Burkina Faso.

Travelers should exercise great caution when traveling by road in Burkina Faso. While several major urban and intercity roads are paved, they can be narrow and full of potholes. Dirt roads are common, even in large cities. Vehicles will often enter oncoming traffic to pass or maneuver around obstacles. Broken-down vehicles may be abandoned on the road. Rural roads outside of major arteries are often in poor condition and roadside assistance is not available. Some rural roads are impassible in the rainy season. Livestock and children may dart onto the road without warning. Road travel at night is especially dangerous and, if at all possible, should be avoided. At night, there is a high volume of truck traffic passing through the country and pedestrians, bicycles, and carts pose a major hazard on unlit, unmarked roads. Vehicles are often dangerously overloaded and poorly maintained. Drivers, including motorcyclists and bicyclists, are at times careless. The police rarely enforce traffic laws and are virtually absent from rural roads.

Caution is urged while utilizing any form of public transportation to travel by road, and travelers should remain aware of their personal belongings at all times.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burkina Faso, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Burkina Faso’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Burkina Faso dated January 12, 2010, to update all sections.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Cambodia Country Specific Information

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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cambodia is a developing country with a constitutional monarchy and an elected government. King Norodom Sihamoni is the constitutional monarch and head of state. Elections for Members of the National Assembly were held in July 2008 and are scheduled to take place again in July 2013. The July 2008 elections sent representatives from five different parties to the National Assembly, with the Cambodian People’s Party holding a majority of seats. The country has a market economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population of 13.4 million engaged in subsistence farming. The government has CatGenie Cat generally good relations with its neighbors despite strains over residual border disputes and other historic antagonisms. The quality of tourist facilities varies widely in Cambodia, with the highest standards found in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Cambodia for additional information.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Cambodia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

US Embassy Phnom Penh
No. 1, Street 96 (near Wat Phnom), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone: (855-23) 728-000
Fax: (855-23) 728-700

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to travel to Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month beginning with the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing. You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, tel. 202-726-7742, fax 202-726-8381. Tourists and business travelers may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. You will need two passport-sized (4cm by 6cm) photographs and a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia. There is a departure tax on all domestic and international flights. This tax must be paid in U.S. dollars. Cambodia regularly imposes fines for overstay of an expired visa. If the overstay is 30 days or less, the charge is USD $5.00 per day; for overstays of more than 30 days, the charge is USD $6.00 per day. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia or visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia web site for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Cambodia.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The State Department is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests, as well as sites frequented by Westerners in Southeast Asia, including in Cambodia. Extremist groups in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. U.S. citizens traveling to Cambodia should therefore exercise caution in clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, beach resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and avoid crowds and demonstrations. From time to time, the U.S. Embassy places local establishments off limits to Embassy personnel due to safety and security incidents. You can contact the Embassy for notification on the current restrictions in place for Embassy personnel.

Although the political situation is relatively stable currently, Cambodian political activities have turned violent in the past, and the possibility for politically-motivated violence remains. On January 2, 2009, three explosive devices were found near the Ministry of National Defense in downtown Phnom Penh. While there is no indication these incidents were directed at U.S. or other Western interests, the possibility remains that further attacks could be carried out, harming innocent bystanders.

The U.S. Embassy frequently receives reports of random gunfire in the vicinity of bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues. While U.S. citizens have not been injured and do not appear to have been targeted, the potential exists for serious injury. U.S. citizens should be vigilant in these areas.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens defer travel along the Cambodian-Thai border in the area of the Preah Vihear temple because of a border dispute between the two countries. Thai and Cambodian soldiers have been stationed along the border in this area since July 2008 and exchanged gunfire on several occasions. Until the situation is resolved, U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution if they must travel to areas along the Thai-Cambodian border where troop activities are reported.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance are found in rural areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom provinces. Travelers in these regions should never walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous. Travelers should not touch anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance; they should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 023-368-841/981-083 or 084.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

CRIME: Cambodia has a high crime rate, including street crime. Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals despite authorities’ efforts to collect and destroy such weapons. Armed robberies occur frequently, and foreign residents and visitors are among the victims. Armed burglaries are also a concern. In April 2010, a U.S. citizen reported that he and his female companion were bound with wire, assaulted, and robbed in his home in Siem Reap. In July 2010, another U.S. citizen sustained injuries during a burglary of his home in Phnom Penh. The Embassy also received reports that hotel rooms of U.S. citizen visitors in Phnom Penh have been burglarized while the occupants were asleep. If you encounter these circumstances, you should surrender your valuables, since any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force. To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license, or other important documents. Local police rarely investigate reports of crime against tourists, and travelers should not expect to recover stolen items.

In July 2010, the U.S. Embassy received several reports that U.S. citizens and other foreigners had been attacked by rocks or pieces of brick that were thrown from moving vehicles in the vicinity of the riverfront in Phnom Penh. Several of the victims reportedly suffered facial lacerations and concussions. All of the attacks took place at night, and the victims included both foreign men and women. Exercise caution, especially at night, and report any attacks to both the Embassy and to the local tourist police.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces to exercise extreme caution outside the provincial towns at all times. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing. Avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, especially along the waterfront. Some of the beaches are secluded, and the Embassy has received reports that women have been attacked along the Sihanoukville waterfront during the evening hours. Take security precautions when visiting the Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) area. You should be particularly vigilant during annual festivals and at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where there have been marked increases in motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.

Pickpockets, some of whom are beggars, are present in the markets and at the tourist sites. If you are visiting Cambodia, you should practice sound personal security awareness by varying their routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking alone after dark. In addition, travel by automobile but do not use local moto-taxis or cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles). These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury when involved in traffic accidents.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootleg items illegal in the United States, it may also be illegal under local law to purchase them.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed. The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit is located in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at #1, St. 96 (entrance on St. 51 between St. 96 and 102), Phnom Penh. Consular Section telephone number is +855-23-728-801Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and +855-23-728-000 after business hours and weekends.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Cambodia is 117 for police, 118 for fire, and 119 for ambulance.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law, for example, if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

CUSTOMS: Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of items such as drugs, firearms, antiquities, or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cambodia in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.

DUAL NATIONALITY:Dual nationality is allowed under Cambodia's 1996 nationality law. In addition to being subject to all Cambodian laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who possess Cambodian nationality may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Cambodian citizens.

BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS: Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of personal injury, extortion, detention, or kidnapping related to personal business disputes, in particular those involving real estate. The Embassy urges any U.S. citizen planning to engage in real estate deals or other significant financial transactions to proceed with caution. U.S. citizens who do not have confidence in the ability of the local police to protect them may wish to depart the country expeditiously.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: The U.S. dollar is widely used, especially for larger transactions, and most prices are quoted in dollars. Ripped or torn U.S. bills are not accepted. The Cambodian riel can also be used, but it is less favored and is mostly given to tourists as change for dollar purchases. The riel is commonly used in smaller towns and rural areas. Credit cards are increasingly accepted within Cambodia, and a number of banks in Phnom Penh accept Visa cards for cash advances. Credit cards are often subject to a service charge. Banks and major hotels accept travelers' checks but usually charge a service fee. Several international banks operate ATM machines that allow travelers to obtain U.S. dollar currency in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other urban centers. Personal checks are not generally accepted. Several banks serve as Western Union agents to which funds can be wired, including in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and other provincial cities. Information on Western Union can be found at http://www.westernunion.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest — including government buildings, military installations, airfields, and bridges — may result in problems with the authorities and confiscation of the camera. Please see our Customs Information.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards.Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a limited number of internationally-run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization. Medical care outside these two cities is almost non-existent. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications, but because the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly, make sure to bring an adequate supply for your medications for the duration of your stay in Cambodia. You should be wary of purchasing local medication. Counterfeit medication is readily available, often indiscernible from authentic medication, and potentially lethal.

For information on influenza, please refer to the Department of State's Influenza Fact Sheet.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cambodia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

You should not drive at night in Cambodia. Road maintenance is sporadic in both urban and rural areas. Roads between major areas are adequate; however, roads leading to areas that are more rural are poor. During the rainy season, both urban and rural road conditions deteriorate considerably. Roadside assistance is non-existent. The safety of road travel outside urban areas varies greatly. Cambodian drivers routinely ignore traffic laws, and vehicles are poorly maintained. Intoxicated drivers are commonplace, particularly during the evening hours, and penalties for DWI offenses vary greatly. Banditry occurs even on heavily traveled roads, so all travel should be done in daylight between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

Serious flooding occurs in both Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia starting at the end of July or early August and continuing into November. The unimproved highways to Prey Veng, Pailin, Stung Treng, and Poipet become more difficult and dangerous during this time of the year, and travel on unpaved or dirt roads is virtually impossible. The National Route highways are the only roads that can be traveled with caution during this time of the year.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel not to travel by train because of low safety standards and the high risk of banditry. Travel by boat should be avoided because boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment. Boat owners accept no liability for accidents. Travelers also should exercise caution when using intercity buses, including those to popular tourist destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Moto-taxis and cyclos are widely available; however, you should not use them due to safety concerns and because personal belongings can be easily stolen. Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas, and those available in major urban areas are inadequate.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.

The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages its employees from using domestic air carriers due to safety concerns and incidents that have occurred in recent years. Embassy employees are permitted to use the international carrier Bangkok Airways between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * * * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Cambodia dated February 16, 2010, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Criminal Penalties, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Ecuador Country Specific Information

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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country about the size of Colorado. It has a developing economy and a democratically-elected government. Ecuador is geographically and ethnically diverse. In general, tourist facilities are adequate but vary in quality. Ecuador has used the U.S. dollar as its official currency since 2000. Both U.S. coins and Ecuadorian coins, which are equivalent to the value of the U.S. coins, are used. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Ecuador for additional information.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live or visit Ecuador, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

The U.S. Embassy in Quito
Address for visitors:
Ave. Avigiras E12-170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro; Quito, Ecuador
Address for local mail and package delivery:
Ave. Guayacanes N52-205 y Ave. Avigiras; Quito, Ecuador
Telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) : (011) 593-2-398-5000
Emergency after-hours telephone: (011) 593-2-398-5000
Facsimile: (011) 593-2-398-5100

The Consular Section in Quito is open for American Citizen Services via an appointment system for passports, reports of birth abroad, notaries, immigrant visas adoptions and re-entry permits. You can find more information, including how to schedule an appointment, at the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services web page. We accept walk-ins Monday through Thursday between 1:30 and 4:00 pm for reports of death, to pick up passports and reports of birth abroad and for emergencies.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil

Address for visitors, local mail and packages:
9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) : (011) 593-4-232-3570
Emergency after-hours telephone: (011) 593-4-232-1152
Facsimile: (011) 593-4-232-0904

In order to provide better customer service and reduce waiting times, the American Citizen Services section in Guayaquil uses an online appointment system. Appointments for passport and citizenship services are available from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Notary appointments are Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays. Walk-in service remains available for emergencies only. For more information, and to make an appointment, visit Guayaquil’s American Citizen Services website.

Galápagos Islands: The Galápagos Islands fall within the consular district of the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The U.S. Government also maintains a U.S. Consular Agent within the Galápagos Islands to provide support in case of U.S. citizen emergencies.

U.S. Consular Agent to the Galápagos Islands
Consular Agent: Mr. Jack Nelson
Location: Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island (At the former Hotel Galápagos)
Telephone: (05)252-6330 (From the United States, dial 011-593-5-252-6330)
Cellphone: 091-33-4815 (From the United States, dial 011-593-9-133-4815)
Contact the Consular Agent by E-mail

U.S. citizens living in or traveling to the Galápagos Islands are encouraged to register with the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: If you are a U.S. traveler wishing to enter Ecuador, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian customs officials also require evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket. If you are traveling on a regular passport for tourism or business, you will not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or fewer per 12-month period. If you are planning a visit longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa in advance of your arrival.

If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Ecuador, you must obtain a police report (“denuncia”) of the loss or theft to obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil. After losing your passport and before departing Ecuador, you will also need to obtain an official record of your arrival and legal status in Ecuador. You can do this by presenting both your replacement passport and the police report to the main immigration office in either Quito or Guayaquil.

In order to depart Ecuador, you must present a valid U.S. passport. If you are departing via airplane, you will be charged an airport tax (payable in U.S. dollars only); the price depends on the city from which you depart. If you stay in Ecuador beyond 90 days or beyond the terms of your visa, you will be charged a substantial fine and will be barred from re-entering Ecuador for nine consecutive months from the date of your departure.

Visit the Embassy of Ecuador’s website for the most current visa information, or for further information regarding entry, exit or customs requirements. The Ecuadorian Embassy is located at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 234-7200. Consulates are located in Atlanta (404) 746-5859; Boston (781) 400-1212; Chicago (312) 338-1002/03, fax (312) 338-1004; Dallas (928) 712-9107; Houston (713) 572-8731; Jersey City (973) 344-8837; Las Vegas (702) 384-8802; Los Angeles (323) 658-5146, (323) 658-6020, fax (323) 658-1198; Miami (305) 539-8215; Minneapolis (612) 721-6468; Newark, NJ (973) 344-6900; New Haven (203) 752-1847; New York City (212) 808-0331; Queens (718) 651-8797; San Francisco (415) 982-1812; San Juan, Puerto Rico (787) 999-5226 or Tampa (561) 544-8946. A new Ecuadorian consulate is expected to open in Phoenix e next year.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ecuador.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: For information about crime in Ecuador, including taxi kidnapping (“secuestro express”), please see the “Crime” section below.

Political demonstrations occur frequently throughout Ecuador. During demonstrations, protesters often block city streets and rural highways, including major arteries such as the Pan American Highway. Public transportation is often disrupted during these events. Protesters sometimes burn tires, throw rocks, damage cars and other personal property and on occasion detonate small improvised explosive devices. Police response to demonstrations varies and has included water cannons and tear gas. U.S. citizens and U.S.-affiliated interests are not usually targeted, but you should avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress and be prepared with back-up transportation plans. Although political demonstrations have not been directed at foreigners in the past, peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning, and you could become a target. Foreigners are prohibited from protesting in Ecuador and you could be arrested for participating in a demonstration.

Ecuadorian authorities sometimes declare a state of emergency or “exception” in provinces and regions affected by civil unrest, natural disaster, or other disruptions. During a state of emergency or exception, authorities are permitted to exercise expanded powers to restore order. They sometimes suspend certain constitutional rights, expand detention powers, or impose curfews. In late 2009 and early 2010 in response to rising crime, the Ecuadorian government issued a state of exception covering Quito, Guayaquil and Manta. They did not suspend constitutional rights, but gave the armed forces license to work with the police on anti-crime initiatives. For more information about natural disasters in Ecuador, see the “Special Circumstances” section below.

Due to the spread of organized crime, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking and incursions by various Colombian terrorist organizations in the northern border region of Ecuador, the U.S. Embassy in Quito advises caution when traveling in this region of Ecuador, including the provinces of Sucumbios, northern Orellana, Carchi and northern Esmeraldas. U.S. government personnel are under strict limitations with respect to traveling alone or over-nighting in these areas. In October 2009, a U.S. citizen was kidnapped and held for ransom for three weeks near Ecuador's border with Colombia. At least 11 U.S. citizens are known to have been victims of kidnapping in this region over the past decade, including one U.S. citizen who was murdered by his kidnappers in January 2001.

If you travel to Ecuador’s beach areas, be aware that strong currents, undertow, and underwater hazards exist in many of Ecuador’s coastal areas. These dangers are not always posted. Most beaches lack staffed lifeguard stations. Take safety precautions when surfing, boating or swimming.

Radicals in various locations in Ecuador, including Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, occasionally detonate small explosive devices that release political literature, known locally as “pamphlet bombs.” Targets have included local and international businesses and various Government of Ecuador buildings. Pamphlet bombs are not as frequent as in the past, but multiple incidents have occurred within the last year. No foreign tourists have been injured in these explosions, but it is possible. Take common-sense precautions and avoid suspicious-looking packages.

The Galápagos archipelago is located more than 600 miles to the west of continental Ecuador. Geographic isolation and the lack of local resources place at risk those U.S. citizens who choose to travel to the Galápagos Islands.

The U.S. Embassy in Quito and U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil strongly recommend that U.S. visitors to the Galápagos Islands register online with the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil prior to their trip, and to always leave an emergency contact with their hotel or tour operator.

A significant number of Ecuadorian tour vessels operating in the Galápagos Islands are neither inspected nor operated in accordance with U.S. regulations, and do not meet U.S. safety standards. The Government of Ecuador requires that vessels carrying more than 16 passengers comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) code established by the International Maritime Organization. However, the quality of inspections, oversight, crewmember proficiency evaluation, and other requisites for safe vessel operation may vary substantially.

Tour boat accidents are more frequent among small vessels (those carrying 16 or fewer passengers), but travelers should inquire about safety features of any vessel, regardless of size. When boarding vessels be sure to look for the life boats, floatation devices and, if possible, take a moment to inspect the life vest you would be using if there were an accident.

In past emergency situations, including the February 2010 tsunami warning that prompted preventive evacuation orders by local authorities, the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil received unconfirmed reports that several hotels failed to inform visitors of the potential threat or to take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and welfare of their guests. In some cases, travelers reported to the Consulate that hotel staff evacuated themselves only and locked guests inside the hotel premises. In other cases, travelers reported that hotels charged guests to transport them to safety in the highlands. We encourage visitors to the islands to take safety considerations into account when choosing a hotel, and to ask about the steps that will be taken in case evacuation from coastal areas becomes necessary. We also encourage you to check the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil’s web page for updated information on hotel safety in the Galápagos

Strikes and disturbances by local fisherman in the Galápagos Islands have become violent on occasion. While tourists have not been targeted, the incidents affected their movement and access to some sites. Such disturbances have been minimal since April 2004, but the issues remain unsettled and could resurface at any time.

Please see the Embassy’s security and safety page, or the security and safety page of the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil for the latest safety and security messages. U.S. citizens may also keep informed of daily happenings by following the local news and police reports.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

CRIME: Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Crimes against American citizens in the past year ranged from petty theft to violent crimes, including armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault and homicide. Low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals – due to limited police and judicial resources – contribute to Ecuador’s high crime rate.

Non-violent crimes, including pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, robbery, bag-slashing and hotel room theft, are the most common types of crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Ecuador. They occur in all parts of Ecuador and incidents have increased in the past year. Pickpockets and other petty thieves are particularly active in airports, restaurants, public transportation, crowded streets, bus terminals and public markets and grocery stores. Backpackers are frequently targeted for robbery and “snatch and grabs;” business travelers carrying laptop computer bags are similarly targeted. Many travelers who travel by bus store their luggage below the bus or at their feet, where it is sometimes stolen. One particular method used by purse-snatchers in Ecuador is to distract the victim, sometimes by purposefully spilling liquid on the victim and pretending to help the victim clean it up, while accomplices snatch the victim’s bag. Thefts from vehicles (“smash and grabs”) have been known to take place not only when the vehicle was unattended, but also when it was occupied, particularly by a single female driver in slow-moving or stopped traffic.

To lower your risk of being a victim of petty theft or other non-violent crimes, consider leaving valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or not bringing them at all. Make use of hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing and carry only the cash or credit cards that you will need on each outing. Stay alert to pickpocketers when in crowds and when taking public transportation. Stay alert also to schemes to distract you, which could result in purse-snatching. We recommend that you do not store your passport in your luggage. Do not leave anything of value in plain view in a car, including sunglasses or sports equipment, and do not drive with purses, briefcases or valuables in plain view, such as on a passenger seat. Always be aware of your surroundings, and try to travel in groups.

Armed or violent robberies occur in many parts of Ecuador. Thieves and small gangs armed with guns or knives are active not only in Quito, Guayaquil and Manta, but also in smaller cities. In the past year, multiple U.S. citizen travelers have been robbed after using ATMs on the street and when exiting banks. In some cases, robbers have used motorcycles to approach their victims and flee the scene. Tourists have also been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails.

To lower your risk of being a victim of armed or violent robbery, you should avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry and watches. Use caution when making withdrawals from ATMs and banks and use machines only inside shopping malls or other protected locations. When using an ATM, stay on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. Avoid deserted beaches, hiking trails, and infrequently traveled roads, as well as the interior regions of large city parks, particularly at night.

Robberies and assaults involving taxis present a significant safety concern, most specifically in the Guayaquil and Manta areas, but increasingly in Quito since 2009. Carjackings have occurred in both rural and urban areas. Foreigners are often targeted specifically. In “secuestro express,” shortly after a rider enters the taxi, the vehicle is intercepted by armed accomplices of the taxi driver, who is normally complicit in the crime. The accomplices enter the vehicle, stage a kidnapping, threaten passengers with weapons (typically guns and/or knives), rob passengers of their personal belongings and then drive to various ATMs to withdraw money using the victims’ debit cards. In some recent instances, victims of secuestro express faced physical violence and/or were sexually assaulted.

To lower your risk of being a victim of carjacking or “secuestro express,” drive with doors locked and windows rolled up. In the Guayaquil area, the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil both recommend that you use radio-operated taxi companies such as those listed on the U.S. Consulate General’s website instead of hailing taxis on the street (see more information under “Crime: Guayaquil and Coastal Ecuador” below). In areas other than Guayaquil consider using radio-operated taxi companies or taxis associated with hotels. If you must hail a taxi on the street, increase your security by seeking out taxis that are officially registered and in good repair. Registered taxis in Ecuador are usually yellow, display matching unit numbers on the windshields and the side doors, each printed on an orange placard, feature a taxi co-operative name on the side, and an orange license plate. (For special information on taxi risks in Guayaquil, see the section below.)

Incidents of sexual assault and rape increased in the past year, including in well-traveled tourist areas. In many instances, criminals targeted women who had become separated from their group. Criminals sometimes use alcohol or incapacitating drugs such as scopolamine on unsuspecting tourists in order to rob and/or sexually assault them. So-called “date rape drugs” are put into drinks in order to drug the unsuspecting victim. The drug renders the victim disoriented and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems. To lower your risk of being a victim of sexual assault, travel in groups, be aware of alcohol or drugs, never allow a stranger to “buy” you a drink and never leave your drink unattended.

Murder of U.S. citizens occurs in Ecuador. Often, the suspects or perpetrators of the murders were personally known to the victims. Since September 2009, three brutal murders of U.S. citizens have occurred in Ecuador. The investigations of these murders have not proceeded with the speed and thoroughness many Americans expect. The Ecuadorian government recently opened the following emergency hotline that callers can use to inform police about murders or contract killings. The number is 1-800-466-424.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States,you may be breaking local law too.

Quito: Stay particularly alert on the crowded streets of south Quito, at the Panecillo, the Historic District and in the areas of El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastian, Avenida Cristobal Colon, and Gonzalez Suarez. Quito’s Mariscal Sucre district, a popular tourist area with numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, hostals and shopping sites, is increasingly a site of crimes; examples in the past year range from petty theft to sexual assault to shootings. In the Mariscal Sucre, travel in groups, avoid hailing taxis off the street or using unofficial taxis and exercise caution in the early morning hours. Due to numerous incidents in which U.S. government employees and private U.S. citizens have been victimized in the Mariscal Sucre, the U.S. Embassy has declared certain Mariscal Sucre bars off-limits and now enforces a nighttime curfew in the area for its employees. Stay alert if hiking to the summit of Pichincha as violent crime has been known to occur there. In 2008, groups as large as eight were robbed at gunpoint by masked men and female hikers were sexually assaulted. There have been no reported incidents since 2009.

Guayaquil and Coastal Ecuador: Throughout coastal Ecuador, the rate of violent crime against U.S. citizens continues to rise. In Guayaquil, visitors should exercise extreme caution in the downtown area, especially at night, and at all times in the street market area of La Bahia, at the Christ Statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmen, in the airport area, and in the southern part of the city. The Malecon 2000, a riverfront park area in the city’s center, and the passage up to the lighthouse in the Las Penas area are generally more safe and better patrolled than the surrounding areas. However, armed robberies have been reported at night and caution should be observed. There have been armed robberies of restaurants and their patrons, including in the fashionable areas of Guayaquil. Guayaquil has experienced an increase in kidnappings for ransom, often in connection with vehicular hijackings, although tourists generally have not been targeted.

The U.S. Government continues to receive an alarming number of reports of U.S. citizens who are kidnapped and robbed in taxis in Guayaquil and Manta, incidents known locally as “secuestro express,” or “express kidnappings.” Taxi kidnappings have also been reported in Playas and other coastal towns.

“Express kidnappings” have occurred even in the more affluent areas of Guayaquil, and target both local citizens and international visitors. Incidents involving U.S. citizens are most frequently reported at the north end of the Malecón 2000 near Las Peñas, outside of the San Marino Mall, and in the Urdesa restaurant/bar district, but have been reported in all areas of the city. Incidents have also been reported in the coastal cities of Manta and Machala.

Due to the seriousness of the taxi situation in Guayaquil, all personnel working for the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Ecuador have been prohibited from riding in taxis hailed off the street in Guayaquil, even yellow taxis. In addition to yellow taxis, local buses, and other forms of public transportation are also expressly off-limits to U.S. diplomatic personnel in Guayaquil. As an alternative, employees have been told to use their personal vehicles or to call one of the vetted taxi services listed on the U.S. Consulate General’s website.

It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks associated with using taxis in Guayaquil, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime. U.S. citizens are urged not to hail taxis on the street, and to exercise caution when selecting a taxi in all areas of Guayaquil, regardless of location and/or time of day. We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in the Guayaquil area to use only vetted, radio-dispatched taxis, such as those listed on the U.S. Consulate General’s website.

If you find yourself involved in a taxi kidnapping and/or robbery, it is best to be non-confrontational and cooperate with the perpetrator. Nothing material is as valuable as your life. Following a criminal incident, U.S. citizens are encouraged to file a “denuncia,” or “police report,” with the local police and to inform the American Citizens Services Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil.

Leaving the Guayaquil airport, there have been repeated instances of armed robbers following travelers from the airport and using multiple vehicles to cut off and intercept the traveler. There is some evidence that those most at risk are those individuals who appear to be returning from overseas travel laden with gifts and large amounts of cash.

Every year, between 15 to 20 U.S. citizens are arrested for attempting to traffic drugs between Ecuador and the United States, or between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos. Suitcases with false bottoms and other packages are common methods of transporting illegal substances. Many of these U.S. citizens claim to have been unaware that they were transporting drugs. As in any other country, do not accept gifts, packages, or suitcases from other persons; even trusted travel companions have been known to take advantage of their friends and family to traffic drugs through Ecuador’s airports. See the “Criminal Penalties” section below for more details about Ecuador’s strict laws and sentences regarding illegal drug trafficking.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police to file a crime report (“denuncia”) at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. Posts in countries that have victims of crime assistance programs should include that information.If you are a victim of domestic violence, regardless of your gender, you may receive assistance from a local branch of the Commissioner’s Office for Women and Family Issues. Click here for information on branches in different cities of Ecuador.

The local equivalents of the “911” emergency line in Ecuador are: 101 (for local police or ambulance, or to be forwarded to other help as appropriate), 102 (for firefighters or ambulance) or 131 (for the local Red Cross). If you are in Quito or Ibarra, you may also dial 911. If you are in Guayaquil, Cuenca or Loja, you should dial 112. The operators typically speak Spanish only.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

There have been at least three cases in which small quantities of drugs have been placed by unknown persons in unsecured pockets of tourists' checked bags, including backpacks, en route to the Galápagos. Upon arrival, these drugs have been detected by police canine units, and the owners of the bags have been arrested and detained for months while the cases are resolved. Fishing in the Galápagos Marine Reserve is highly controlled by local authorities, and illegal fishing can result in fines and/or jail time. Visitors interested in fishing in the Galápagos should check with the Galápagos National Park prior to engaging in these activities to ensure consistency with local law. Travelers are advised to secure all parts of their bags thoroughly before checking them on flights to the Galápagos. International visitors who attempt to smuggle out the islands’ plants and animals in their luggage or on their person face serious sanctions and jail time.

If you violate Ecuadorian laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ecuador are severe; jail sentences average eight years. If you are convicted for drug charges, you can expect a long jail sentence and a heavy fine.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Legal Status: U.S. citizen travelers in Ecuador are required to carry identification, including proof of U.S. citizenship, at all times. Americans are sometimes stopped by the Ecuadorian police. If you are stopped and cannot present evidence of identity and legal status in Ecuador, you could be arrested and ordered deported. Due to passport theft in Ecuador, you should carry a photocopy of your passport (including the personal data page and the entry stamp and/or visa) rather than the actual passport document.

Customs Regulations: Ecuadorian law imposes strict limitations concerning temporary importation into or export from Ecuador of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, electronic equipment, currency and donated goods. If you would like to import certain goods to Ecuador, contact the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC, or one of Ecuador’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Also see the U.S. Embassy in Quito’s Customs Information sheet.

Dual Nationality: Children born on Ecuadorian territory are automatically considered Ecuadorian citizens at birth. Therefore, a baby born to American parents in Ecuador – regardless of whether the baby qualifies as aU.S. citizen – is an Ecuadorian citizen and must depart Ecuador for the first time using an Ecuadorian passport. In order to do so, parents should first obtain an Ecuadorian birth certificate at their local Civil Registry office and then obtain a national ID card (“cedula”) for the child. With these documents, parents can apply for an Ecuadorian passport. Subsequent to the first trip out of the country, a dual national child may re-enter Ecuador either as an Ecuadorian citizen or as aU.S. citizen (as a tourist or on a particular visa). For additional information, visit the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Documents website.

U.S. citizen minors who hold dual nationality with Ecuador must comply with special exit requirements if departing from Ecuador alone, with one parent, or with a third party. If your dual national child falls under this category, he or she must present a copy of his or her birth certificate and written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian upon departure from Ecuador. If one parent is deceased, your child may present a notarized copy of the death certificate in lieu of the written authorization. If the documents are prepared in Ecuador, you must have them notarized by an Ecuadorian notary. If the documents are prepared in the United States, you must have the authorization and the birth certificate translated into Spanish, notarized and authenticated (“apostilled”) by the central authority of same U.S. state that issued the document (the central authority is part of the U.S. state’s government, and is usually located in the capital of that state).

Legal Disputes: Occasionally, business disputes in Ecuador that would normally be handled by civil litigation in the United States are converted into criminal proceedings, especially when one party is charged with fraud. If you are charged with fraud or any other criminal charge while in Ecuador, you might be prohibited from departing the country, arrested or incarcerated while awaiting a hearing of your case.

When considering purchasing property in Ecuador, be aware that competing claims to property sometimes surface after an apparently legal sale has been made. Deficiencies in the Ecuadorian system for surveying and registering property and weaknesses in the judicial system mean that these disputes can last years. In several cases in the past few years, U.S. citizen land owners in Ecuador were threatened with physical harm and/or confiscation of their property by individuals claiming rights to the land. In at least one case, the building was razed. If you are considering buying property in Ecuador, carefully research land title issues and consider engaging a competent attorney before making a purchase.

Natural Disaster Preparedness: Ecuador has 19 potentially active volcanoes, including nine that have shown recent activity. Earthquakes occur frequently, sometimes with little warning. Tsunamis have occurred as well. If a volcano or earthquake occurs, your life could be in danger due to falling debris or lava, mud or gas flows. You could also be affected by failures of transportation, water, communications, and power systems due to damage to infrastructure or heavy ash fall. In the case of a volcanic eruption, your flight in or out of an Ecuadorian airport might be cancelled due to a temporary airport closure due to ash fall. Also due to ash fall, you could face potentially serious respiratory problems.

Three active volcanoes within 50-100 kilometers of Quito pose a significant threat to the city: Guagua Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Reventador. Other volcanoes active in Ecuador include Tungurahua, 120 kilometers south of Quito, Reventador, 90 kilometers northeast of Quito, and Cotopaxi, 50 kilometers south of Quito. In 2002, lava and mudflows caused by Reventador volcano closed a major Quito/northern-border highway and blanketed Quito with volcanic ash, shutting down the Quito airport for several days.

The town of Baños, a popular tourist destination approximately 120 kilometers south of Quito, is located at the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Tungurahua has erupted explosively several times in the last decade. A 2006 eruption caused deaths and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. In May and June 2010, the volcano registered intense activity, affecting the provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Guayas, Bolívar and Los Ríos. If you choose to stay overnight in Baños, especially on the western side of the town, be aware that mud or lava flows could pose a significant and immediate threat. Baños’ siren system might alert people to evacuate; be ready to evacuate on short notice. If in Baños when a volcanic eruption occurs, try to reach the evacuation shelters in the "Santa Ana" neighborhood on the east side of town, on the main road out of Baños towards Puyo.

Earthquakes in Ecuador or neighboring countries sometimes trigger tsunamis, which could affect you if you are in a coastal area of Ecuador or on the Galápagos Islands. A tsunami is a series of long ocean waves. Each individual wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more and extensively flood coastal areas. The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave as subsequent waves arrive. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest. All shores are at risk no matter which direction they face. Extremely strong and unusual currents can accompany a tsunami. Debris picked up and carried by a tsunami amplifies its destructive power. Simultaneous high tides or high surge can significantly increase the tsunami hazard.

The National Risk Management Secretariat, the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute and the Quito City Government monitor Ecuadorian volcanoes, issuing regular reports on their activity, as well as on earthquakes and tsunamis in Ecuador. In the event of eruptions, pay close attention to the news media for updates on the situation. Further information is available via the Internet from the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: You can readily obtain adequate medical and dental care in the major cities of Ecuador. In smaller communities and in the Galápagos Islands services are limited, and the quality is variable and generally below U.S. standards. Ambulances, with or without trained emergency staff, are in critically short supply.

Pharmacies are readily available in any city. However, you might find that the availability of some medications is sporadic, and formulations and brand names will differ from products available in the U.S. Narcotics and tranquilizers are extremely limited in availability. “Pharmacists” sometimes prescribe and dispense medications. These individuals often have little training and prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics and other inappropriate medications. You should not seek medical advice from them. Folk healers and traditional markets offer herbal and folk remedies. You should avoid these remedies, as the formulations are questionable and some components may interact with other prescription medications.

Malaria, dengue and yellow fever (which are transmitted by mosquitoes below 4,500 feet of altitude), leishmaniaisis (which is transmitted by sand flies), Chagas disease (which is transmitted by triatomine bugs) and tuberculosis (which is transmitted via respiratory droplets) are all endemic in Ecuador. Primary prevention (using insect repellants, clothing treated with permethrin and bed nets) helps to protect from all these diseases. In Ecuador, yellow fever is only found in the Amazon basin. Ecuadorian authorities might require you to show certificate of yellow fever vaccination when entering or leaving this area, or when continuing travel to other areas of South America. Antimalarial medication significantly reduces the risk of contracting malaria. There are neither vaccines nor prophylactic medications for dengue, leishmaniaisis or Chagas. If you become ill with fever or flu-like symptoms while traveling in a high-risk area, you should seek prompt medical attention. As onset of these diseases may be delayed, continue taking this precaution for up to a year after leaving the affected areas.

Tuberculosis, which is transmitted via respiratory droplets, is also endemic in Ecuador. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

The UV index registered in Ecuador – not only in the highlands but also on the coast and in the Galápagos Islands – has been extremely high for the past two years. Sunscreen, hats and clothing that covers the skin can help you protect against strong UV rays.

Good Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, can be found via the CDC’s page with health information on Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands or on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Highlands: If you travel to Quito (close to 9,400 feet) or other highland areas, you will typically require some time to adjust to the altitude, which can adversely affect your blood pressure, digestion, and energy level. Consult with your personal health care providers before undertaking high-altitude travel. If you have heart or lung problems or the sickle cell trait, you may develop serious health complications at high altitudes. If you plan to travel to extreme high altitudes (greater than 10,000 feet), for example, mountain climbing, take precautions to avoid acute mountain sickness.

Galápagos Islands: Located on the equator, the Galápagos Islands have a hot, tropical climate. Travelers should be prepared for high temperatures and intense sun, and must negotiate rocky, uneven terrain at some visitor sites. Visitors should carry water with them and remain well hydrated. Consumption of local tap water is not recommended.

Medical resources in the Galápagos Islands are severely limited. Acute surgical, cardiac, and other types of specialty medicine are not available. There are two hospitals, located on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands. These facilities have limited personnel and resources, and often do not have the basic medical supplies required to treat serious injuries. Some cruise vessels have on-board physicians available for fee-based services.

Serious injury or illness in the Galápagos typically requires costly medical evacuation to the Ecuadorian mainland or the United States for treatment. Transiting by boat from Puerto Ayora to remote islands such as Darwin or Wolf takes approximately 22 hours, and an additional 17 hours to return. In the case of an incident at or around these remote islands, those affected may find themselves more than 24 hours away from even basic medical treatment at a local hospital facility. Medical evacuations by air ambulance are costly and take significant time to arrange. For that reason, the purchase of traveler’s health insurance that includes air evacuation is strongly recommended.

Scuba divers in the Galápagos Islands should be aware of limited facilities for decompression. A privately-owned hyperbaric chamber is available in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. In the past, the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil has received complaints that divers suffering symptoms of the bends were not able to obtain prompt access to the hyperbaric chamber in Puerto Ayora. The Ecuadorian Navy operates a second decompression chamber at the San Eduardo Naval Base in Guayaquil. Due to the high costs for these services and associated emergency transportation, divers are advised to obtain adequate medical evacuation and diver’s insurance.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

--Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?

--Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

Ecuadorian hospitals and health providers do not always accept international travel insurance, preferring to ask for a cash or credit card payment instead. If you will be staying in Ecuador on a long-term basis, consider taking out a local insurance plan.

Galápagos Islands: Because serious injury or illness in the Galápagos typically requires costly medical evacuation to the Ecuadorian mainland or the United States for treatment, the purchase of traveler’s health insurance that includes air evacuation is strongly recommended.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

NOTE: Travelers should be advised that the Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside of the United States of America.

Useful Links: Additional information that may be helpful to those planning to travel to the Galápagos Islands can be found at the following websites:

External links to the above listed Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the view or privacy policies contained therein.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Road travel throughout Ecuador can be dangerous, especially at night. Many roads are poorly maintained or unmarked. Heavy rains and mudslides often close or wash out roads. Heavy fog is common in mountainous areas. Highways are often unmarked and do not have signs indicating destinations. Road safety features such as crash barriers and guardrails along steep mountainsides are rare. In the countryside, livestock are often herded along roads or graze on roadsides. Many roads are used for pedestrian and animal traffic as well as vehicular traffic. Speed bumps abound, even on major highways such as the Pan American Highway, to slow traffic.

Driving habits vary from region to region; however, country-wide, driving practices differ from U.S. standards and not all drivers obey traffic laws or observe traffic signals. Vehicles are reasonably well-maintained. On the coast, drivers have a more lax approach to vehicle maintenance and traffic regulations than in other parts of Ecuador. In all areas buses, both intra-city and intercity, stop at any point on their route to pick up or drop off passengers. Drivers often turn right and left from any lane and do not yield for pedestrians and cyclists. You might encounter intoxicated drivers at any time, though the chances of a drunk driving accident are higher on weekends and during Ecuadorian holidays.

Inter-urban and inter-provincial bus passengers are often targets of crime, including robbery and sexual assault. Ecuador’s frontier regions are largely rural, poor, and lack police presence. Because drug traffickers, criminal organizations, and smugglers of all types use clandestine border crossings to move their goods, consider driving on only the the most-traveled highways in these areas. For more information regarding the Ecuadorian frontier with Colombia, see the “Threats to Security and Safety” section above.

If you register a vehicle in Ecuador, you will be required to buy local liability insurance, called SOAT. Whether driving your own vehicle or a rented vehicle, be sure to have proper vehicle registration papers with you. If you are the driver of a vehicle involved in an automobile accident and the police find you to be at fault, you might be taken into police custody, especially if injuries are involved and if you do not have SOAT insurance. In such a case, you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until the local authorities have assigned responsibility and are satisfied that all financial claims (for example, medical treatment bills) have been settled. You may face criminal charges if injuries or damages are serious.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more informationAlso, we suggest that you visit the website of Ecuador’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ecuador’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Ecuador dated January 26, 2010 , to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Special Circumstances, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions and the Galápagos Islands.